The North West Leicestershire Community Sports Network are celebrating after receiving a huge financial boost towards its innovative Club Activ8 project.

Although the scheme missed out on the top prize of £50,000, the group was rewarded with a silver award of £12,500 at the Norwich Union British Writers Association Dinner and Awards.

The prize was presented to North West Leicestershire School Sports Partnership Development Manager Rachel Harrison and Club Activ8 Co-ordinator Gail Rushton by former Olympian Sally Gunnell, BBC sport reporter Chris Hollins and marketing director of Norwich Union Pat Mitchinson.

The Club Activ8 project – which rewards pupils worth free sport session once they have completed the government issued target of two hours of physical activity a week - was one of 12 initiatives selected from more than 250 entries to receive a silver award.